Green Cards

Which is the organization that issues the Green Card?

Green cards were traditionally issued Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

The role of green card issuance was taken over by Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS)

BCIS is now renamed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and USCIS issues the green card currently.

No. If you hold any temporary United States visas you are still eligible to live and work in the U.S. you may still not be entitled to get properties, do a corporate business or such rules that may vary depending on the type of temporary visa you hold.

Can I claim or fight for a green card?

Green card is an added bonus and a privilege. You cannot claim it as a right.

Can I stay for long in my parent country and return back as I wish after getting a green card?

No, once you get a green card you should return within a stipulated period back to the U.S. after outside travel. If you still wish to travel for long you may need to get an advance parole to qualify return.

Why is it called green card?

The name green color comes from the original color of the card when it was issued first which is no longer green. Yet the name has stuck to it. It is also called the Lawful Permanent Residence while the official name is form I-551. It was previously called as ‘Alien Registration Card’ or ‘Resident Alien Card’.

What is I-551?

It is the official name for the Green Card.

How does a green card look like and what details does it carry?

It has the official name and photograph of the card holder and an anti-counterfeiting code that is recognizable by specified devices meant exclusively to detect duplicate green cards.

It has details of location of the card holder, code of issuing country, a 9 digit alien number preceded by letter A, verifiable immigrant code number, birth date, expiration date, country of birth details, last name, first name and initials of parents as documented in records and many computer detectable codes for government use.

If you succeed to get a green card you can enjoy all privileges other than voting and holding federal office positions.